Loktak Lake – Home To The Only Floating National Park In The World

Loktak Lake is clearly one of the most stunning and whimsical landmarks to explore in Manipur. Loktak Lake, to the world, is an incredible place and to the home country, India, it is a precious gem ever to behold. Explore this splendid lake to find yourself amidst the sublime landscape of Ima Sana Leibak. Find out more below

Where is Loktak Lake?

At a surprising surface area of 287 sq km, Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India and is situated in Moirang in Manipur. It is popular for the Phumdis, a floating mass of vegetations, soil and other organic substances that can allow a person or more to settle on it. The largest phumdis are about 40 sq km and are mostly found on the southeastern shore of the lake. 

Facts About Loktak Lake

Over the years, Loktak Lake has served as a sustainable source for the villages settling nearby. It supplies fish, fresh water for drinking, water supply for irrigation and later on a source for hydroelectricity. Far beyond these necessities, this lake is an absolute charm. Check out some facts about this lake:

• Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India.
• The floating mass of lands in some regular and irregular patterns called Phumdis are found on the surface of the lake. The aerial view will definitely blow your mind away.
• Keibul Lamjao National Park situated on the Phumdis is the only floating national park in the world. 
• It is alarming to admit but the national park is the only natural habitat for a small herd of deers called Sangai, an endangered species believed to be one of the three subspecies of Eld’s deer. 
• A conservative inspiration to preserve and maintain the Sangai Deer, the Sangai Festival, an annual extravaganza is held in the state. The event usually takes place on the last week of November. 
• The Sangai Deer is also recognized as the state animal of Manipur. 
• Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park both together hold the ultimate tourist spot in Manipur Tourism. 

How To Reach?

Loktak Lake lies at a distance of 48 km from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. Imphal is a well-connected city with other major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and others in India via flight. Roads are easily accessible in nearby cities such as Shillong, Guwahati, Aizawl and other popular Northeast Indian cities. 

Reaching Imphal, visitors can book a taxi or arrange a private vehicle to go right away to the spot. If you are taking a regular taxi, you should head to Jiribam Parking near the main market in Imphal. Take a taxi heading to Moirang which will cost you Rs. 50. Upon reaching Moirang, take a taxi going to Thanga, a mini village just a stone’s throw away from the lake for Rs. 10. 

Best Time to Visit Loktak Lake

Offering a ravishing view of the lake dotted with little islets, Loktak Lake is one of the sought-after destinations in Manipur. Considering the best time to visit this place, anyone can visit it throughout the year. However, for different experience season wise, here are breakdowns for you:

• Spring

Spring, like the rest of India, starts from Mid-March to May. You can see the entire place blossoming in bright colours and the roadside painted red with flowering Gulmohar. It is something that will uplift when you hit the roads towards the lake. 

• Summer and Monsoon

Most Northeast states receive early monsoons from Mid-May even till September. Hence, summer and monsoons occur almost at the same time together. While most people dare say it is not that safe to visit during monsoon season, you can give it a try visit this place for an experience that is one of a kind. Although, you should stick with the safety protocol and not overdo something that can harm you or nature. 

• Autumn

The Autumn vibe is one of the best feelings ever to visit Loktak Lake. As the breezy air hit your face, you will know that your journey will be incredible. 

• Winter

Winter starts from early November till March which is probably the best time to visit Loktak Lake in Manipur. Also considered the driest season, most visitors aim for this time to explore and make the best of this tourist spot. Boating, site-seeing and other sorts of activities are fun to carry out. Also, one can attend the Sangai Festival, the most beautiful state festival at the end of November. 

Things To Do

You will love Loktak lake for infinite reasons. Things you would crazily enjoy are the road ride, pleasant weather, luminous landscape, clear blue sky and the destination itself. Anything greener should be this prolific lake and its circumscribing landscape that can amuse you over again. Should you be making memories, try these things to do in Loktak Lake and stay for as long as you want:

• Try out the cafeterias that offer exclusive Manipuri Cuisines and other quintessential dishes.
• Take a boat ride at sunrise, sunset or mid-day for an absolutely sublime experience. Although, the sunrise and the sunset views top it all.
• Try out the Manipuri costumes and get picture-perfect photos near the lake or sitting on a boat. 
• Go sightseeing at Keibul Lamjao National Park and spot the beautiful Sangai, the brow-antlered deer which is on the verge of extinction. 
• Visit some floating Islands or Phumdis and try fishing like the locals.
• Set a camp at homestays near the lake and enjoy the nightlife. Lie back under the starlit sky and feel nature springing up to life. 
• Visit other nearby attractions such as INA Memorial Complex, Lakoi Pat and indigenous villages. You can also explore the capital city at Kangla Fort, Ima Market or other interesting spots. 

Places To Stay Near Loktak Lake

Loktak Lake is not a far-flung destination and one can stay comfortably book a stay in Imphal. There are unlimited options for any tourists ranging from luxury to budget stays. Visitors can also prefer staying at a spot-on resort such as the Sendra Tourist Home or some resort set up at Sandra and Phubala Islets. 

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